Wiz Khalifa Drops Highly Anticipated Mixtape Kush + Orange Juice 2

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Wiz Khalifa has officially released his latest mixtape, Kush + Orange Juice 2, a highly anticipated sequel to his iconic 2010 project that helped define the stoner-rap genre. The album debuted on April 20, 2025, fifteen years after the original, and features a lineup of guest artists including Don Toliver, Gunna, Larry June, DJ Quik, and the legendary Max B.

Khalifa stated that the primary motivation behind this new release was to cater to his loyal fan base, who have been eager for new music. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Khalifa reflected on the significant relationship he maintains with his supporters. ‘It’s what got me to where I’m at in a time when labels didn’t understand me. My fans are the ones who stepped up and told people who I am,’ he said.

Emerging from Pittsburgh, Khalifa gained recognition during the early 2010s as many independent artists began to redefine the music landscape primarily through social media. His laid-back style, embodied in his 2010 mixtape, resonated with listeners looking for authenticity.

Consistency and freedom have defined Khalifa’s career journey. The new mixtape retains the mellow vibe reminiscent of his earlier work while incorporating modern production techniques. ‘For me, it’s perfect timing because I am at a point where I could just entertain the people that I want to,’ he explained. The album includes 23 tracks and runs for 77 minutes, delivering an exhaustive soundtrack that celebrates both the past and future of Khalifa’s artistry.

The production team behind the mixtape resembles Khalifa’s original circle, with contributions from classic collaborators like Cardo, Sledgren, and Problem. ‘It’s just an all-around Wiz Khalifa production,’ he said, showcasing his commitment to maintaining strong relationships with the producers who understand his artistic vision.

One of the key tracks, “Red Eye,” adopts a Jamaican dub sound, highlighting Khalifa’s ability to experiment with new flows. He shared that the creative process for this song was spontaneous and organic, originating from an unexpected beat provided by Problem. ‘It wasn’t even really intentional. It was just something that came together,’ he said.

A noticeable maturity is present in Khalifa’s lyrics and themes compared to his earlier work. He has shifted from more provocative subjects to a focus on family and positive self-reflection. ‘I’m less disrespectful towards women. I definitely talk way more about my kids,’ he noted.

Khalifa acknowledged the changing dynamics in the music industry, emphasizing that while he embraces his current success, he remains grounded by his original influences and connections to his fan base. ‘The main thing that always stays the same is whoever has the strongest connection with their fans is going to win,’ he said. This connection is evident as he engages directly with younger audiences and avid listeners alike.

In a nod to the evolving music landscape shaped by social media, Khalifa mentioned the importance of freestyles in generating excitement ahead of his album release. ‘It was a way to write that narrative and to get everybody on board,’ he said. He emphasized that creativity thrives within relationships, whether with fans or collaborators.

The much-anticipated mixtape culminates in Khalifa’s celebration of the stoner lifestyle that has defined his brand. In his reflection on the genre’s current direction, he expressed concern over the rise of harder substances in hip-hop, advocating for a return to the roots of the genre through his track on the new album. ‘The lifestyle that comes with it is way more livable,’ he stated.

As Khalifa celebrates his legacy with Kush + Orange Juice 2, he continues to champion the positivity and camaraderie that his music encourages. ‘I’m really excited for everybody to experience that,’ he said, as he gears up to perform on April 20, marking not just the album release but also the holiday celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts worldwide.